Brazil For Gringos

Everything you need (and don't) need to know about Brazil.

Elder Brett Stephens

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"Here is me and Elder Brett Stephens outside of the Sao Paulo East Mission Office taken a few weeks ago. Wow, it was so great to see him. If you don't already know, Elder Stephens graduated from the worlds greatest high school, Bonneville. And he sure has done a number down here in Brazil. He is a zone leader in Sao Mateus and I talked to him earlier today on the phone, he sounds absolutely great. Hey, everyone write him a letter, we have the same address, and tell him I say hey."

Preach My Gospel

"Me and Elder Walker are studying the heck out of Preach My Gospel (the new missionary guide everyone should own)."

After Church leaders first talked about raising "the bar that is the standard for missionary service" in general conference of October 2002, heavy emphasis was placed on sending out more young men and women who are better prepared and more capable of teaching by the Spirit.

The results of that effort have made possible "Preach My Gospel", a recently released manual that introduces significant changes to the missionary program in the way missionaries will teach, plan, and work.

Preach My Gospel Being Launched in Missions Worldwide

The Power of Preach My Gospel by Elder Richard G. Scott

National Anthem Of Brazil

Curtis wrote this to me in his weekly email:

"And if you still download music, download the National Anthem of Brazil. Its a good one. I had it buzzin' in my head all day yesterday."

I wonder if is taste in music is starting to change?

Listen To Hino Nacional Brasileiro

Read the Lyrics

The Brazilian National Anthem is sufficient grounds for the fame of its composer, Francisco Manuel. Through its admirably warm and spirited melody, it took its place as the national anthem before it was accorded any official recognition. Various changes made to it have not distorted its essence, though they have softened its martial tone. Originally composed in a purely orchestral version for military band, it has been the various texts which have been set to it, especially that of Osório Duque Estrada in 1922, which have somewhat spoilt it.

The history of the anthem is the subject of controversy. In the view of some, it was composed for Brazilian Independence, others believe it was written for the 7th of April and performed on the 13th to a text attributed to Ovídio Saraiva de Carvalho e Silva, in which there are references to "a wise reign" and "a Brazilian monarch", the 7th of April being taken as the dawn of Brazilian liberty. A third view is that of Souza Pitanga and Ernesto Sena, supported by Alberto Nepomuceno who writes: "In the same year (1841), at perhaps the height of his career, Francisco Manuel composed the anthem to celebrate the coronation of the second Emperor of Brazil, showing himself to be a composer of great merit in this inspired work, which still animates the national soul today.

Decree No.15671 of the 6th of September 1922 officially adopted the words of Osório Duque Estrada, written in 1909, the first version of it. Law No. 259 of the 1st of October 1936 prescribed the version of Leopoldo Miguez for orchestral performance, and the version by Lt. Antonio Pinto Junior of the Federal District Fire Brigades, for military band, in the original key of B Flat; and finally a version in F by Alberto Nepomuceno for singing:

Music: Francisco Manuel da Silva (1795/1865)
Verses: Joaquim Osório Duque Estrada (1870/1927)

Where Is Curtis Now?

Curtis has been transferred. This is where he's at now.











He is 6,127 miles from Ogden, Utah on the east side of South America. He is in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.






He is in the city of Guarulhos, in a section of the city called Bom Clima.






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1/2 Year Away From Home

Curtis has been gone for six months. He's says he gets "homesick" when he's away from Cruzeiro. I wonder if he feels the same way about our home here in Ogden. I'm sure he does but I don't think he wants to admit it. Everything seems to be going so well for him in Brazil. He writes to me and his friends every week, send letters and packages home, and makes friends everywhere he goes in Sao Paulo. He say's he might get transfered soon and is a little worried about it but whererever he is I know he'll do just fine. He has such a positive attitude about his mission and his life. I'm very proud of him.